Introduction: Aviation Safetyin the Spotlight
On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck the Indian aviationindustry when Air IndiaFlight AI 171, a Boeing787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeofffrom Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, climbed just a few hundred feet before losing altitudeand crashing into a hostelbuilding at a nearby medical college.
The incident claimed the lives of 241 of the 242 passengers and crew, along with multiple casualties on the ground. It marks the first fatal crashinvolving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a wide-body aircraftlong praised for its modern safetyfeatures and fuelefficiency.
As emergencyresponders rushed to the scene and authorities launched a full investigation, India’s civil aviationregulator, DGCA, quickly ordered enhanced safetyinspections of all similar aircraftin the fleet.
While the exact cause of the crashremains under investigation, this incident has once again raised a critical question for the aviationindustry:
How prepared are we when it comes to aircraft maintenanceand preventive safetymeasures?
This blog explores that question, not through speculation, but by focusing on what we know, what maintenanceinvolves, and why its role in aviation safetyis more vital than ever.
What We Know So Far
On the afternoon of June 12, 2025, Air IndiaFlight AI 171, a Boeing787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport en route to London Gatwick. Within 90 seconds of takeoff, the aircraftfailed to gain proper altitudeand ultimately crashed into a hostelbuilding at a nearby medical college. At the time of this writing, 241 out of 242 onboard perished, along with dozens more on the ground.
The lone survivor, identified as Viswashkumar Ramesh, was seated near an emergency exitand sustained burn injuries. He is currently recovering in a hospital.
Investigation in Progress
Investigators from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau(AAIB), supported by experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration(FAA), Boeing, and GE Aerospace, are examining the flight datarecorder and cockpitvoice recorder (commonly known as “black boxes”).
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the crashso far. However, they are investigating possible technical malfunctions involving enginethrust, flap deployment, or landing gearissues. There is no official statement yet on whether it was due to mechanical failure, human error, or a combination of factors.
Preventive Action
In response to the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) ordered enhanced maintenanceinspections of all Air IndiaBoeing787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. These checks include inspections of:
- GE GEnx engines
- Flap and slat configurations
- Landing gearsystems
- Fuel, hydraulic, and electrical systems
- Critical cockpitinstrumentation and warning systems
This move is intended as a preventive safetymeasure while investigations continue.
Understanding the Role of Aircraft Maintenancein Aviation Safety
Aviationis one of the safest modes of transport, thanks in large part to strict global standardsand rigorous maintenanceprotocols. Behind every smooth takeoffand landingis a complex web of inspections, preventive maintenance, and system checks—many of which the public never sees but are absolutely critical to flight safety.
Routine Maintenancevs. Unscheduled Repairs
Aircraft maintenancefalls into two main categories: scheduled (or preventive) maintenanceand unscheduled (or corrective) maintenance.
- Scheduled maintenanceincludes routine inspections—daily, weekly, or based on flight hours or cycles—covering everything from engineperformance to cabin systems.
- Unscheduled maintenanceoccurs when something goes wrong, whether it’s a warning indicator during flight or a failuredetected during pre-flight checks.
The goal is to detect wear and tear, catch component fatigue, and prevent mechanical failures before they pose any risk to passengers or crew.
Critical Flight Phases Demand Extra Vigilance
Takeoffand landingare the most sensitive phases of any flight. According to global aviation safetydata, over 80% of accidents happen during these stages. This makes the condition of systems such as:
- Flapsand slats
- Landing gear
- Hydraulic systems
- Thrustand engineperformance even more important. A malfunction in any of these areas, especially during takeoff, leaves aircraftpilots with limited reaction time and space to recover.
MaintenanceIsn’t Just a Technical Task — It’s a SafetyCulture
Proper maintenanceisn’t just about replacingworn-out parts. It’s also about:
- Accurate recordkeeping
- Timely inspections
- Clear communication among the ground crew, engineers, and flight staff
When any part of this system breaks down, risks increase—even if the technologyon board is advanced. Maintenanceerrors, missed warnings, or assumptions that a previous issue was resolved can lead to catastrophic results.
Why MaintenanceIsn’t Just a Checklist
Aircraft maintenancegoes far beyond ticking boxes on a to-do list. It’s a layered, disciplined process where timing, communication, and consistency can literally mean the difference between a safe flight and a disaster. As aviationhas become more technologically advanced, so too have the responsibilities tied to maintaining that technology.
The Pressure of High-Volume Operations
In a high-demand industry where flight schedules are tight and turnaround times are short, aircraftare expected to stay in rotation as much as possible. This constant usage puts pressure on maintenanceteams to work quickly, often under time constraints and environmental stress.
When aircraftoperate back-to-back long-haul flights, the wearon engines, flaps, and other flight-critical systems adds up fast. If routine inspections are rushed or postponed—even unintentionally—small issues can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
The Human Factor in Safety
Maintenanceis not just mechanical—it’s also deeply human. Even with strict protocols, errors can occur due to:
- Fatigue
- Miscommunication
- Incomplete log entries
- Assumptions made under time pressure
History has shown that even one unchecked maintenanceitem—or one skipped step—can set off a chain reaction. While modern aircraftare built with multiple safetyredundancies, they rely on correct datainput, verified system checks, and clear handovers between shifts to function safely.
Red Flags Are Often Silent
One of the greatest challenges in aviationmaintenanceis that not all failures present symptoms right away. For example:
- A sensormight deliver inaccurate readings without setting off alarms.
- A part may appear functional under static inspectionbut fail under real-world stress.
This is why aviation safetyexperts stress predictive maintenanceand deep system diagnostics—to catch what routine checks might miss.
Industry Response: Taking Action Before the Report Arrives
In the immediate aftermath of the Air India787 crash, the aviationindustry responded swiftly, not just in the investigation but in reinforcing safetyand maintenanceprotocols across fleets. Even before the final report is released, precautionary steps are already being taken to prevent similar incidents.
Air India‘s Fleet-Wide Inspections
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) quickly ordered comprehensive inspections across all Air IndiaBoeing787-8 and 787-9 aircraftequipped with GE GEnx engines. These inspections include critical components such as:
- Flap and slat operation
- Landing geardeployment and retraction systems
- Enginethrustresponse
- Hydraulic and electrical systems
- Flight deck alerts and control settings
By proactively grounding aircraftfor enhanced checks, the airlineand regulator are aiming to rule out systemic issues or overlooked technical risks.
Global Eyes on the 787 Dreamliner
Although the Boeing787 has had a strong safetyrecord since its debut, this incident has triggered global scrutiny. Other international carriers operating the same model are reportedly reviewing their maintenancelogs, sensorsystems, and softwareupdates to ensure compliance with current safety standards.
Regulatory Collaboration Across Borders
The investigation involves coordination between multiple agencies:
- India’s AAIB (Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau)
- U.S. NTSB and FAA
- Boeing
- GE Aerospace
- UK civil aviationauthorities
This level of international cooperation is standard for major incidentsand signals the seriousness of this event. It emphasizes a shared understanding in the aviationworld: when a system fails, learning from it must begin immediately, not just after the final report is filed.
Lessons Beyond This Crash
Aviationhas long been regarded as one of the safest forms of travel, but that safetyis built on constant learning, especially from incidentsthat shake public confidence. The crashof Air IndiaFlight AI 171 is a tragic reminder that even with modern aircraft, safetymust be earned and re-earned with every flight.
No Room for Complacency
As aircraftbecome more sophisticated, there’s a risk of overreliance on automation and assumptions that technologywill always “catch” a problem. But aviation safetydoesn’t run on luck or hardware alone—it depends on people, processes, and attention to detail.
Crashes like this one renew the urgency around:
- Thorough inspections before and after flights
- Cross-checking diagnostic data
- Listening to pilot reports or anomalies flagged in previous legs
- Training for both technical and non-technical staff
These are not just formalities—they are the foundation of operational safety.
A Culture of Transparency and Continuous Improvement
One positive trend in aviationis the increasing push for transparency. When something goes wrong, industry stakeholders are expected to:
- Report findings openly
- Share lessons learned across borders
- Update policies and procedures even before reports are finalized
This spirit of openness is what turns tragic incidentsinto opportunities for change and is why global aviation safetyhas steadily improved over the decades.
It’s About People, Not Just Planes
Behind every system check, enginereading, or inspectionlog are real people—engineers, technicians, flight crew, and passengers. Safetyisn’t just a mechanical concept; it’s a responsibility that affects lives.
When an aircraftgoes down, it’s not just a headline—it affects families, communities, and futures. That’s why every inspectionmatters, and every system check counts.
Conclusion: SafetyIs a System, Not a Single Action
The crashof Air India‘s Boeing 787 Dreamlinernear Ahmedabad Airportin Gujaratis under ongoing investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau(AAIB), with technical assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration(FAA).
While the exact cause has not yet been confirmed, the incident has renewed focus on the critical role of aviation safety, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
In immediate response, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA) ordered detailed aircraft maintenance checksacross Air India‘s Dreamliner fleet. These checks are guided by international standards and recommended practicesset by the International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) and supported by bodies like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency(EASA).
These inspections focus on essential systems such as the aircraft engine, landing gear, and avionics. They aim to detect issues like thermal runaway, wear and tear, and corrosionbefore they pose safetyrisks.
Modern aviationoperates under an intricate web of oversight and engineering. From airspacecoordination and air traffic controlto fleet management, each component of a flight relies on tightly integrated systems. The use of checklists, advisory circulars, and safety managementsystems (SMS) ensures that aircraftmeet global certificationand airworthinessstandardsthroughout their life cycle.
Preventive measures like predictive maintenance, continuous surveillance, and structured auditprotocols help operators avoid failures. Maintenanceteams, including licensed aircraft maintenancetechnicians, play a key role in applying updates, identifying hazards, and ensuring compliance with federal aviation regulations.
This incident also reminds us of how vital infrastructureand global coordination are, from civil aviationauthorities to aviation law, from airport securityto occupational safety and healthguidelines. These aren’t just technical requirements—they’re essential safeguards that uphold the integrity of international civil aviation.
As the investigation continues, lessons from this event will be used to improve operational efficiencyand maintenance servicesand strengthen safetyacross the entire industry. In aviation, safetyisn’t just one person’s job or one system’s responsibility; it’s a globally shared commitment to keeping every airplane, pilot, crew, and passengersafe from takeoffto landing.
References:
Regulatory and Investigation Sources:
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation(DGCA)– Mandated enhanced inspections on Air India‘s Boeing787‑8/‑9 fleetequipped with GE GEnx engines after the crashnews.com.au+15newsonair.gov.in+15outlookbusiness.com+15
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau(AAIB), India– Leading the technical investigation and black box analysis,.com+6abcnews.go.com+6apnews.com+6
National Transportation Safety Board(NTSB, USA)– Dispatched investigators and are collaborating with AAIB apnews.com+5cbsnews.com+5news.com.au+5
Federal Aviation Administration(FAA, USA)– Providing technical assistance, no immediate grounding of 787s, economictimes.indiatimes.com+15reuters.com+15reuters.com+15
Industry and International AviationStandards:
- International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO)– Annex 8 and Annex 19 cover ongoing airworthinessand safety managementsystems. faa.gov+7icao.int+7sassofia.com+7
Federal Aviation Regulations(FARs, US)– Especially Part 25 and Part 43 relating to transport-category aircraft certificationand maintenancewsj.com+11en. wikipedia.org+11en.org+11
Technical Coverage & SafetyReporting:
- Reuters– Reporting on probe focus areas like engines, flaps, and landing gearm.economictimes.com+15reuters.com+15theguardian com+15
CBS News / ABC News / AP News – Confirming black box recovery, casualty figures, survivor information, and crashpatterns
